Monkshood

Also known as Aconite, Friar’s Cap, Helmet Flower,

Soldier’s Cap and Wolfsbane

Aconitum

Several species of Monkshood are commonly planted in herbaceous borders. There are approximately 100 species of monkshood native to the north temperate zone of the United States, Alaska and Canada. The flowers of most species are blue, but may be white, pink, or flesh toned. All parts of these plants are considered poisonous. Medical care is required for monkshood poisoning. Parasthesia and numbness are prominent symptoms, followed by weakness, convulsion, respiratory paralysis and death, sometimes within two hours.